Pith and substance doctrine allows laws with incidental overlap if core falls within legislature's constitutional powers

The doctrine of pith and substance applies when there is apparent overlapping between legislative entries to determine the true nature of legislation. When a law substantially falls within the powers expressly conferred by the Constitution upon the enacting legislature, it cannot be held invalid merely because it incidentally encroaches on matters assigned to another legislature. Courts must examine the entire Act's object, scope, and effect to determine its true character. The doctrine applies not only in conflicts between legislative powers but whenever questions arise about whether legislation is covered by particular legislative authority. Incidental encroachment on another legislature's domain is not forbidden if the law's substance falls within the enacting legislature's competence.

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